THINK B.A.R.E.

12 Simple Tips for Better Eating and A Healthier Lifestyle

I’ve spent the last year reading about food for wellness, and along the way learning some very practical information about how to eat better and be healthier. I’ve created a short list of helpful tips. Some are common sense and most likely what you’ve heard before. But still worth sharing again!

Load up on items with no ingredient label such as fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t be afraid of the sugar in fruit! https://nutritionfacts.org/video/if-fructose-is-bad-what-about-fruit/
KISS! The acronym for “Keep it Simple, Stupid” isn’t just for the U.S. Navy (from where it originated) or marketers. It is a good rule of thumb for food shopping too. Buy simple, whole foods. Stay away from complicated ingredients. Stay away from words you don’t recognize.
Skip the soda. Drink water. If you need the fizz of soda, drink sodium free sparkling water. If plain water isn’t your thing, infuse it with fresh fruit, herbs, even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some pizzazz. Check out https://wellnessmama.com/3607/herb-fruit-infused-water/ for water recipes. Some recipes call for agave and other sweeteners, but I recommend skipping this, the fruit is sweet enough.
Cook! There are quick, easy recipes all over the internet. Isn’t it better to know what is in your food?
Stay away from sugar, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sugar substitutes. When necessary try to sweeten with fruits, or even 100% pure maple syrup.
Eat fiber! According to NutritionalFacts.org, 97% of Americans are deficient in fiber. Fiber is an important nutrient that keeps our digestive tract healthy. It is also credited with helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Get fiber by eating beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Move! Stay Active! Okay you can’t get to the gym, or you hate lifting weights, or you have no money for the swim club. But if you are able, get out and walk. Clean. Garden. Play with your kids. Do squats in the house. Use the stairs. Jump rope. Do a home based yoga routine (there are tons of yoga and home based workouts on Youtube.)
Associate getting to a healthy weight with eating more! Think about what incredible, delicious, healthy food your body needs to work well. I recommend Cameron Diaz’s The Body Book. Before you dismiss her ... take a look .. she has a great attitude toward weight management and the book is well written.
Meditate for at least 5 to 10 minutes a day. Calm your mind. If you need help, youtube is aplenty with guided short meditations. Stress works against weight management. This practice helps to calm the mind and rid of stress.
Be mindful. Although a good practice for every aspect of our lives, it’s especially helpful when eating. Let your mind and body realize you are eating. Savor the food. Savor the moment.

Look for future posts, with more specific suggestions.

Be your B.A.R.E. self!